REGION 10 DIVE TEAM
www.epa.gov/region10/dlve
EPA Region 10 Dive Team
Onondaga Vessel Survey, Seattle, WA
What: The Region 10 dive team was asked to conduct a survey of the former USCG vessel Onondaga
by USCG and the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources (WADNR).
Why: The EPA Region 10 dive unit was asked to characterize the extent of hazmat contamination in the
sunken vessel. This information will be used by a variety of entities for prioritization of resources in
dealing with the large number of derelict vessels in and around Puget Sound.
Where: The vessel surveyed is located at Lake in the Ship Canal, near the Hiram M. Chittenden
USAGE Locks.
When: April 2011.
How: Divers used surface supplied diving equipment, drysuits, drygloves, and full face masks to
conduct a video survey of the exterior of the vessel. Video documentation was provided to Due to the
possibility of contamination present on the bottom of the ship canal, and the possibility of bacteria from
stormwater runoff in the water column, divers were kept totally dry and were subjected to potable water
decontamination after each dive.
Equipment: EPA vessel Monitor was used as the dive platform.
Results: Photos, video, and narrative descriptions were conveyed to WADNR and USCG.
More details:
EPA divers to survey sunken vessel in Lake Washington Ship Canal
Divers with the Environmental Protection Agency are planning an underwater survey Wednesday of a
Coast Guard ice breaker that has been submerged for over 20 years. Diving officer Sean Sheldrake says a
team of divers will inspect the vessel for potentially hazardous materials, such as leaking oil or batteries.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014884767_apwaepadive.html
Video coverage:
King 5: http://www.king5.com/video?id=120827624&sec=549122
Komo4: http://www.komonews.eom/news/local/120845714.html#13039969838751 &if_height=663
Kiro 7: http://www.kirotv.com/news/27691715/detail.html (uncut chopper video of the surface supplied dive)
Contact information: Rob Pedersen, (206) 553-1646, pedersen.rob@epa.gov
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Photos:
Above surface rit
the Ononda
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Surface supply air set-up on the Monitor.
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Forward rigging on the Onondaga
Bow.
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Rob Rau preparing to dive; Chad Schulze tending.
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The press arrives.
Metal tie down on forward deck.
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Old line and material through opening in the gunnel
Freshwater mussel.
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Hull and bottom sediment.
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Tie down.
Portion of rudder.
Return to EPA Region 10 Dive Team homepage.
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